BMW has finally lifted the veils off the all-new 4 Series Convertible. For the second generation, the German automaker ditched the swanky three-piece metal folding roof in favour of a fabric retractable top.
Design
The new BMW 4 Series Convertible’s design makes use of the brands new design language which features the prominent controversial grille and enticing head and rear-lights. The return to fabric top makes the new 4 Series convertible 40% lighter than the outgoing model. It also increases luggage capacity (300-litres when folded, 385-litres when roof is up) and improves fuel-economy and performance.
The fabric roof comes in two flavours, black or Anthracite Silver. New colours from the BMW Individual selection include San Remo Green, Dravit Grey, Tanzanite blue, Frozen Portimao Blue and Frozen Deep Grey metallic paints. BMW claims the roof will retract in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Interior
Inside, the new 4 Series Convertible looks identical to the interior of the coupe variant. Customers can opt for the 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster flanked by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment running BMW Operating System 7 and featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also available as an optional extra is the neck warmer integrated into the head restraints.
Engine range
The new BMW 4 Series engine range will include the 420i, 420d, 430i, 430d, M440i xDrive and M440d xDrive. Here are more details:
250 kW700 NmAWD8 Speed auto5.1s250 km/h6.3L/100 km
| Model | Displacement | Power | Torque | Drivetrain | Gearbox | 0-100 km/h | Top speed | Fuel consumption |
| 420i | 2L 4-cylinder petrol engine | 135 Kw | 300 Nm | RWD | 8-speed auto | 8.2s | 236 km/h | 6.1-5.7L/100 km |
| 420d | 2L 4-cylinder diesel engine | 140 kW | 400 Nm | RWD | 8-speed auto | 7.6s | 236 km/h | 4.5-4.2L/100 km |
| 430i | 2L 4-cylinder petrol engine | 190 kW | 400 Nm | RWD | 8-speed auto | 6.2s | 250 km/h | 6.4-6.0L/100 km |
| 430d | 3L 6-cylinder diesel engine | 210 kW | 650 Nm | RWD | 8 speed auto | 5.9s | 250 km/h | 5.6L/100 km |
| M440i | 3L 6-cylinder petrol engine | 275 kW | 500 Nm | AWD | 8 speed auto | 4.9s | 250 km/h | 7.4-6.9L/100 km |
| M440d | 3L 6-cylinder diesel engine | 250 kW | 700 Nm | AWD | 8 Speed auto | 5.1s | 250 km/h | 6.3L/100 km |
We are yet to know which models are coming to South Africa. Pricing and local availability is also yet to be confirmed, but the market launch of the new 4 Series Convertible is expected first quarter of 2021.
By Otsile Kadiege from Khulekani on Wheels